General Info: Uses and Effects

Lotensin Generic (Benazepril) is used for the treatment of high blood pressure, popularly known as hypertension. Regulating high blood pressure will help prevent heart attacks, kidney problems, and strokes. Lotensin Benazepril is an ACE inhibitor and functions by relaxing the blood vessels so that the blood can flow freely and more easily.

Contraindication: Important to Know

Before you start your course of treatment with Lotensin Benazepril, inform your doctor if you are allergic to the medication or other ACE inhibitors such as Lisinopril. You should also let your doctor know if you have any other allergies. It is important to know that the medication may contain some inactive ingredient that can cause allergic reaction or other side effects. Discuss all possible allergies and side effects with your physician before you start your treatment. Inform your doctor about your medical history, especially if you have had allergic reactions that include high level of potassium in your blood, blood filtering procedures (such as dialysis, LDL apheresis), and swelling of the face, throat, tongue, or lips.

The medication can also make you drowsy or dizzy. You should therefore not use machinery, drive, or engage in any activity that requires alertness until you are sure you can do it safely. Reduce your alcohol consumption and inform your doctor if you take marijuana. To minimize episodes of light-headedness and dizziness, slowly stand up when rising from a lying or sitting position. Too much vomiting, sweating, or diarrhea can cause loss of fluid in the body and increase the risk of light-headedness. Therefore, inform your doctor if you are experiencing prolonged vomiting or diarrhea. You should also take a lot of fluid to keep hydrated except otherwise advised by your physician.

If you want to go for surgery while taking the drug, inform your doctor about this medication and any other medicines you are using. Lotensin Generic can increase the level of potassium. Before you take salt substitutes or potassium supplements, ensure you discuss with your doctor.

It is not recommended that you use this drug during pregnancy as it can harm the foetus. It is therefore important to discuss with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant before taking this medicine. The drug can also pass into breast milk. Therefore, let your doctor know if you are nursing a baby. Older adults can be more sensitive to some side effects such as increased potassium level and dizziness.

Instructions on Taking

If you are using the liquid form of the medication, you should shake the bottle severally before you measure your dose. Use the special measuring spoon or device given to you by your physician. Do not use a tablespoon or teaspoon to measure to avoid using incorrect dose. You should use the medication as prescribed by your physician so that you can get the full benefits. Do not change your dose or stop suddenly without the approval of your physician. Continue using the drug even if you feel you are feeling better. Remember, most patients dealing with high blood pressure do not have any symptoms. When you start your treatment, bear in mind that it might take one to two weeks before you start experiencing the full benefits of the medication. You need to inform your doctor if your condition doesn't improve or if it gets worse in the process of the treatment.

Dosage

Lotensin Benazepril is recommended to be taken by mouth, with or without food. It should be used as directed by your physician. The recommended dose is usually once or twice a day. Your dosage is dependent on your medical condition, age, and response to a therapy. The dosage of children is based on their weight.

Side Effects

There are possible side effects that can be experienced while taking Lotensin Benazepril. Some side effects are common and will often resolve within a short period of time. Some common adverse effects that can be experienced include dizziness, drowsiness, headache, or light-headedness. You can also experience dry cough in the first few days of starting the medication. If your side effects persist or worsen over time, you should contact your physician immediately. It is important to note that you have been prescribed this drug because your healthcare provider believes that the benefits greatly outweigh the risk of possible side effects. Also, note that many patients do not experience any side effects while using the medication.

There are other serious side effects that are rare. Inform your doctor immediately if you feel faint, or experience symptoms of high potassium blood level, such as irregular or slow heartbeat, muscle weakness. Benazepril can sometimes be prescribed for the treatment of kidney problems or to prevent it. However, kidney problems can be a rare but a severe side effect of the medication. It is therefore important to have your kidney function checked while using the drug. Inform your doctor immediately if you experience any symptoms of kidney problems, including change in the quantity of urine. Lotensin Generic can also cause serious but deadly liver problems. Call for urgent medical attention if you notice any rare but serious side effects of the medication such as persistent vomiting and nausea, severe abdominal or stomach pain, dark urine, yellowing skin/eyes, extreme tiredness.

Severe allergic reaction to Benazepril is quite rare but not impossible. Therefore, call for urgent medical attention if you experience any symptoms of allergic reaction such as trouble breathing, rash, severe dizziness, swelling or itching of the face, throat, or tongue. Please note that this is not an exhaustive list of possible side effects. You should therefore call your doctor if you notice any uncomfortable feeling while taking the medication.

Interaction with Other Drugs

Inform your doctor if you are taking any other drugs, including prescription and non-prescription, vitamins, herbal supplement, or any other products. Some medications that can interact with Lotensin Benazepril include aliskiren, medication that reduces immune system or increases risk of infection (like Sirolimus and Everolimus), lithium, drugs that increase potassium level in the blood (including Losartan/Valsartan, and birth control pills), and Sacubitril. Inform your doctor if you are using diet aids, Ibuprofen/Naproxen, and cough and cold medication.